Things Ain't What They Used To Be is a 1992 compilation album by Duke Ellington. The recordings are from 1966 and 1969 and were done in Rome, Italy. This is a 1996 pressing released by LaserLight Digital.

Larry Porter, Andreas Lang and Joe Smith have been working together for five years now and have covered a lot of ground during this time. Interpreting standards is one area they've particularly developed. Many of the performances on this CD feature a more collective approach. Instead of one solo after another, the three musicians enter into a dialogue where each can contribute and respond as he wishes. While this idea may not be new, its realization has remained fairly elusive. Therefore the band is excited about being able to present the results of its efforts to you.

This Rhino U.K. 2012 box set rounds up the prime of Booker T. & the MG's, the five albums they released between 1962 and 1968: Green Onions, Soul Dressing, And Now!, Hip Hug-Her, and Doin' Our Thing. Often, Booker T. & the MG's are seen as nothing more than a singles act but these records illustrate just how deeply their gifts ran, as they are all deeply funky, gritty, soulful records that are easy to enjoy. And when they're collected in this convenient little box, they're even easier – and cheaper – to appreciate.

Have you gotten comfortable—maybe even complacent—in your spiritual life? Maybe you can check off all the right boxes—going to church, reading your Bible, praying before meals. Maybe you even lead a small group or serve as a deacon and tithe regularly. But when was the last time someone really shook up your faith, really challenged you to get after it, to pursue God with your whole heart?